How It All Began
In 2020, our life shifted in more ways than one. That was the year Tom had both hips replaced, and it was also the year the world seemed to stop. COVID had everyone staying home, routines collapsed, and “normal” suddenly disappeared.
For us, recovery looked like starting over from the ground up. Step by step, literally. Movement became rehab, and rehab became survival.
Not long after, we brought home Gracie, our Aussie Shepherd–Border Collie mix. If you know anything about that breed, you know what came next: she needed walks. Lots of them. Suddenly, walking wasn’t optional.
And then there was Gus — our German Shepherd–Corgi mix with little short legs, a big appetite, and not nearly the same enthusiasm for long walks. Gus needed to lose some weight, and while walking wasn’t his favorite activity, he loved getting out, sniffing the air, and being part of the pack.
Between Tom’s healing, the world slowing down, Gracie’s boundless energy, and Gus’s reluctant-but-needed routine, walking became the anchor in our days when everything else felt uncertain.
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Why Walking Works (and What Science Says)
Walking may feel “too simple” to matter, but research proves otherwise:
- Heart & Longevity – Just 30 minutes of brisk walking most days lowers the risk of heart disease and helps extend lifespan
- Mood & Mental Health – Walking has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, even in short sessions
- Brain Function – Regular walking improves memory and may even slow cognitive decline with age.
- Mortality Risk – People who walk 8,000–12,000 steps daily cut their risk of all-cause mortality by as much as 65%
Translation: Walking isn’t just exercise. It’s an all-in-one prescription for heart health, mental clarity, longevity, and resilience.
What Walking Gave Us Back
- For Tom: Confidence. After major surgery, every walk was proof that his body was capable again.
- For Me: Clarity. Walking became meditation in motion — a reset button when life felt scattered.
- For Gracie: Joy. Walks gave her purpose and gave us an excuse to laugh, play, and keep pace with her energy.
- For Gus: Progress. Walking wasn’t his favorite thing, but it helped him shed pounds, stay healthier, and gave him the satisfaction of being part of the family routine. Watching Gus trot along on his short legs reminded us that even reluctant walkers benefit from showing up.
Even better, walking gave us rhythm. Shared steps became shared conversations. Forward movement, even slow, reminded us that we were still moving toward something better.
When Outside Isn’t an Option
Here’s the honest part: as much as we love walking outside, life doesn’t always line up perfectly. Missouri summers bring heat waves that feel like walking into an oven. Winter brings ice, and our schedules don’t always cooperate.
That’s when the treadmill at home became our backup plan.
It wasn’t glamorous, but it kept us consistent. Tom could rebuild stamina without worrying about uneven sidewalks, and I could fit in a quick 15 minutes before work or while catching up on a podcast. The dogs sat those days out, but keeping the habit alive indoors meant that when the weather was better, we were ready to take Gracie and Gus back outside without missing a beat.
For anyone building the same habit, a solid option like the Proform Treadmill is compact, really affordable, has built in speakers, has sync capabilities to Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health with iFIT Train subscription, and fits right at home. Ours is an older model that’s still hanging on, but this is the one on our radar when it finally gives out. It doesn’t replace sunshine, but it keeps the streak alive.
How to Make Walking Your Reset
If you’re ready to try this simple daily habit, here’s what worked for us:
Stack Gratitude. After walks, I jot a line or two in my Gratitude Journal. That little reflection deepened the habit and shifted my mindset.
Start Small. Even 10 minutes is enough. The consistency matters more than the length.
Choosing the right walking shoes makes a huge difference for comfort and consistency. My top picks are the Hoka Clifton for cushioning and the Brooks Glycerin for support (Tom wears Cliftons too). I rounded up more options in this walking shoe guide.
Hydrate Smart. Especially in summer — LMNT electrolytes kept me from feeling drained.
Track It. I started using a simple habit tracker. Seeing the streak grow kept me motivated. You can grab my free version below!
What Changed for Us
- Tom’s confidence grew with each walk.
- My stress became manageable.
- We both slept better.
- Gracie was happily exercised.
- Gus trimmed down and showed us that even the most reluctant walker can change with consistency.
- Most importantly: we felt like we had a foundation to build the rest of life on.
Walking didn’t fix everything — but it gave us the momentum we needed to keep going.
Try It Yourself
Walking is free. It’s accessible. And it’s powerful. If you want to build your own reset, start small and track it.
Download my free Walking Habit Tracker to keep yourself consistent. Print it, post it on your fridge, and let the small wins add up.
It’s been four years, and walking is still the habit that grounds us. Through surgeries, stress, heat waves, short legs, and long days — walking kept us moving forward.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for clarity, confidence, or just a fresh start, I’d tell you what I told myself back in 2020: take the first step.
References
- Lee IM, Buchner DM. The importance of walking to public health. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(7 Suppl):S512-S518. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817c65d0
- Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
- Paluch AE, Gabriel KP, Fulton JE, et al. Steps per day and all-cause mortality in middle-aged adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(3):e223174. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.3174
- Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108(7):3017-3022. doi:10.1073/pnas.1015950108
Disclaimer:
The information in this post reflects personal experience and general wellness research and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise, diet, or wellness regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Handcrafted Adventure and its authors disclaim any liability for injuries, losses, or damages incurred as a result of the use or misuse of the content provided.